If you want to play scales, you can begin with the pinky C of your left hand. From there, you can move your way to the thumb C of your right hand. Remember to play each of the white keys in order. Upon arriving at your left thumb, stretch it to play the next note up (A). Then, stretch your right thumb to play the next after that (B). You will eventually return your thumb to middle C to finish the scale.
One can continue to practice this technique till it gets easier. Stretching your fingers is just as important a skill as maneuvering your hands across the piano. Once you feel more comfortable, you can then proceed to play a different scale. This can begin by using one of the other fingers of your left hand. You can slowly play notes up the keyboard until you are able to reach the same note on your right hand. You can also adjust sour notes by using the black keys when you find it necessary. In fact, this is how other scales aside from C major are played. Take for example, the D major scale is played D (left ring finger), E, F-sharp (black key), G, A, B, C-sharp (black key), D (right pointer finger). Aside from following a book or learning from a teacher, it is also essential for you to explore the scales on your own. This will provide you with an added advantage.
Unlocking all of your instrument’s potential would require you to learn how to play multiple notes at once, while using all of your fingers on both hands. In order for you to attain a nice sound with multiple notes, you first need to understand how harmonies actually work. Here is a rather brief outline to aid in your understanding.
First, you need to take note that adjacent notes never harmonise. However, that doesn’t mean that they are totally taken out of the equation. They do have a place in more advanced compositions, but for now, just keep in mind that playing two notes beside each other rarely sounds good. Harmonies are created by increasing the space between notes. This space is also known as “interval”. The more commonly used ones include the fifths, fourths, and thirds. If you would like to hear examples of these, play C and G, C and F, or C and E, respectively. Harmony intervals can go up to the fourteenth interval, which is considered to be a compound interval as it crosses more than one octave. Harmonies can also be modified through flat or sharp notes, adding support notes, and so forth. If you play a same note at two different octaves, it is also known as a “unison” harmony.
If you would like more professional advice and tips, then do consider taking up piano lessons for yourself. At Awesome Piano, we provide certified piano teachers island wide in Singapore.